Within a month, the ETCB has commenced 144 misdemeanour proceedings, imposed fines on private persons in the total amount of 26 000 euros and prevented 120 000 euros from reaching Russia.
“People who cross the border are becoming more aware of the goods subject to sanctions. Customs officials are seeing fewer and fewer infringements arising from ignorance or errors, while cases of concealment are increasing," said Voldemar Linno, Head of the Customs Control Department of the ETCB. “While in the past it was possible for customs officials to have low-value goods subject to sanction returned or surrendered by the person crossing the border, sanctions violations are now followed by proceedings and a penalty corresponding to the act.”
The most common article subject to sanctions is still the euro banknote. Within a month, customs controls have prevented more than 120 000 euros from being taken to Russia. These cases included attempts to take 25 euros, as well as 8000 euros across the border. Since the sums are less than 10 000 euros, these attempts are processed as misdemeanours. Under expedited procedure, it is possible to impose a fine of up to 1600 euros on private persons for the transport of euros, and up to 2400 euros under regular procedure. During the first month, the average fine has been 190 euros, the lowest 40 euros and the highest 2400 euros.
In addition to preventing the transport of euro banknotes, misdemeanour proceedings have been initiated regarding the transport of various electronic components, data carriers, tools and cosmetics to Russia. In the inbound direction, most misdemeanour proceedings have been initiated for carrying cigarettes.
“With the beginning of summer, the number of border crossings in the outbound direction will gradually increase. As the number one priority for customs controls is the implementation of sanctions and the prevention of the transport of resources used for warfare to Russia, the waiting times for customs controls may get longer before the summer," Linno added. “Before crossing the border, it is necessary to check the prohibitions and restrictions in force very carefully in order to avoid carrying prohibited goods.”
On 27 April, amendments to legislation entered into force, according to which the import and export of goods and cash subject to sanctions with a value of up to 10 000 euros is punishable as misdemeanour.
Further information on prohibitions and restrictions on goods can be found on the ETCB website or by contacting the customer support of the ETCB.
